After a successful two-month run, the Church Street pedestrianization pilot will conclude on Friday evening amid positive feedback from the community and authorities. The initiative transformed two blocks of Church Street, spanning from Wellesley Street to Alexander Street, into a car-free zone. The bustling downtown area was revamped with new patios, a piano, and a poetry busker, creating a vibrant atmosphere unseen for over two decades, according to George Pratt, Chair of the Church-Wellesley BIA.
Residents and officials lauded the project as a “huge success,” with many expressing hopes for its future recurrence. Councilor Chris Moise highlighted that numerous businesses within the pedestrianized zone reported a noticeable increase in revenue during the pilot phase. Pratt noted a sustained business boom throughout the summer, contrary to the usual post-Pride week lull.
Funded entirely by sponsorships and individual donations, the $500,000 project covered expenses like paid duty Toronto police officers on weekends and security on weekdays, without utilizing taxpayer funds. Michael Azzopardi, owner of Out on the Street clothing store, witnessed a business surge and emphasized the enhanced community spirit brought on by the pedestrianization.
Volunteers played a crucial role in the project’s success, actively participating in building and painting colorful patio fixtures. Rodney Chan, a community advocate involved in the initiative, praised the collaborative efforts of volunteers and the Business Improvement Area (BIA) in managing the area, including tasks like garbage collection. Feedback from stakeholders emphasized the desire for more seating, greenery, shade, and additional programming in potential future iterations of the pedestrianized zone.